---- Tt can''t be...


    I thought...


    I thought it was Nana.


    I looked up at him in shock.


    Tt was me, that poor bird you almost scared to death by telling him he was going to be a dad.


    That was me.


    He smirked, letting out a soft huff.


    My heart pounded with love.


    I loved him.


    I loved this man so much.


    We''ll talk about everythingter, little one.


    But right now, I have something more important to do.


    In the blink of an eye, he knelt down, kissing my belly and whispering softly to our baby.


    His strong hands wrapped gently around my waist, and he lifted me effortlessly into his arms.


    Aldric, I whispered, clinging to his neck, desperate to merge with him, and he pressed my head against his chest, holding me like a child.


    Protecting me, whispering how much he loved me, how much he had suffered upon realizing he had attacked and hurt me, how hard it had been to watch me be humiliated while he was imprisoned by the cor.


    He told me that no matter my race, I was his mate, and he would burn in fire for me if necessary.


    And I knewit.


    I knewit with certaintyhis love washed over me, healing my insecurities.


    I should never have doubted our bond.


    I should never have doubted him, despite my fears, despite his hatred.


    Baby, we re going to be fine, Valeria.


    Everythings going to be okay.


    We''ll take care of our little one, no matter what happens.


    Ill always be by your side, he promised.


    And finally, I felt my soul had found its ce.


    ---- Ilooked beyond us, watching the carnage my mother was unleashing, pouring out her hatred.


    Honestly, I didnt feel the slightest bit sorry for that man.


    Seeing the power of a mature Selenia made me realize everything he had stolen from me.


    I was just a defective copy of my motherthat was the truth.


    somethings happening.


    Suddenly, Aldric tensed, holding me closer and pulling us away from the fight.


    I lifted my head to see the shift in battleeverything happened too fast.


    That man, a mere wreck, cut to pieces by the Queen, lunged forward with what seemed like his final will toward the Lunar Gate.


    He was too close! NOOO, YOU DAMN COWARD! LYCAN KING, PROTECT VALERIA! My mothers scream echoed.


    She turned to look at us, and I barely had time to sense the buildup of concentrated magic energyalling from what remained of the Vampire King.


    It couldnt be.


    He was using his life force to blow up the gate.


    That was insane! BOOOOOOMMMMM! Ablinding light filled my eyes, and in my final moments of consciousness, I saw Gabrielle spread giant crimson-feathered wings, as if soaked in blood, shielding the massive explosion, standing before the danger and holding back the debris from the gate.


    "MOM!" I screamed in my mind onest time, feeling warm arms around me as I fell into the abyss from the copsing bridge.


    ---- Then, nothingjust cold and darkness.